Chapter Two: Admission Policies and Procedures
Chapter Three: Curriculum
Chapter Four: Course Descriptions Chapter Five: Student
Policies and Procedures
Chapter Six:
Graduation Policies and Procedures
Chapter Seven: Student Information
Chapter Eight: PhD in Nursing The master’s degree program is fully accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) accreditation arm, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The purpose of the graduate program is to prepare nurses for advanced practice in nursing administration, clinical practice, or education. 1. Prepare graduates who demonstrate evidence based practice and lifelong
learning.
The graduate of the Master of Science with a major in Nursing Program will: 1. Incorporate knowledge and theories from nursing and other supportive
disciplines into advanced nursing practice.
An information packet and the two required application forms (one to the SDSU Graduate School and one to the College of Nursing) may be received by calling the Department of Graduate Nursing (605) 688-4114 or by emailing the Department Secretary, or by submitting a request in writing to: Department of Graduate Nursing
In addition to the requirements for admission to the SDSU Graduate School, the College of Nursing requires: 1. A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program with
an upper division major in nursing including: a. An approved physical
assessment course or physical assessment content integrated into
2. TOEFL Score of 560 if applicable. 3. Completion of an approved course in statistics (containing both descriptive and inferential statistics) within the six years prior to enrollment in first core nursing course. A table listing all of the currently approved undergraduate statistics courses in the north central plains area is available on the department home page. Other courses can be evaluated for approval by sending a course description to the Graduate Nursing Department Head, South Dakota State University, College of Nursing, Box 2275, Brookings, SD, USA, 57007 4. A Junior/Senior grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale; 5. A minimum of 1500 hrs of nursing practice as a registered nurse in the two years prior to enrollment in the first nursing core course as verified by employer(s); 6. Licensure as an RN prior to enrollment in the first graduate nursing course; 7. Coverage by professional RN liability insurance (1 million/3 million) prior to enrollment in the first graduate nursing core course; 8. Demonstration of logical thinking and writing skills in the preparation of a one page goal statement. This statement must detail goals for the next five years and explain why a master’s education in nursing is necessary for fulfilling those goals; 9. Computer literacy, including word processing and Internet capability. The list of specific computer hardware and software requirements is located as a link on the College of Nursing homepage. 10. ACLS certification is required of all students in the FNP specialization prior to the beginning of N765. Deadlines for Submitting Applications for Admission Brookings Campus: A new on site program sequence begins every fall semester. The application deadline is the first day of March preceding the fall semester each year. Sioux Falls Campus: A new on site program sequence begins in the fall semester of odd numbered years (2007, 2009, 2011, etc.). The application deadline is the first day of March preceding the fall semester. Rapid City Campus: A new on site program sequence begins in the fall semester of even numbered years (2006, 2008, 2010, etc.) The application deadline is the first day of March preceding the fall semester. Internet Program: A new Internet program sequence begins every fall semester. The application deadline is the first day of March preceding the fall semester each year. Classes are combined into an Internet class if there are fewer than seven students registered. Enrollment in the Master of Science program with a major in Nursing is limited and may vary depending upon available clinical facilities, qualified faculty and funds. Applicants are selected competitively from those best qualified for the program. The prospective student must send the completed application forms to the SDSU Graduate School. When the admission documentation is complete, the student's application materials are then forwarded to the Graduate Nursing Department. All of the application materials must be received by the SDSU Graduate School before March first. Prospective students are advised to follow up with the Graduate School to keep informed of the status of their application. After March first, the Graduate Nursing Admissions and Scholastic Standards Committee will review all of the applications and make recommendations to the SDSU Graduate School. The application materials are then returned to the Graduate School. Notification of admission to the graduate nursing program is made by the SDSU Graduate School and not the Department of Graduate Nursing. After the Graduate School notifies the student of admission to the Master's Program, the student will be sent the Health Status Report form and the Immunization and the Medical History form. All new, transfer and readmitted students must submit proper proof of two measles and two rubella immunizations. This is a requirement for attendance at all South Dakota state schools. Failure to comply will result in a “stop registration hold” on the student’s enrollment effective immediately. Students born before 1957 are exempt from this requirement. The graduate student is required to complete these forms prior to registration. The forms must be returned to the Department of Graduate Nursing The student will be notified of the academic advisor to whom they have been assigned. In addition, the student will be asked to reserve their place in the class by forwarding a check for $250.00 to the Department of Graduate Nursing. This will hold the student’s place and will be used for part of the tuition for the first semester. Previously admitted graduate students returning to SDSU after an enrollment lapse of one or more semesters (excluding summer) must be readmitted. This process requires the re-submission of the application form to the SDSU Graduate School. New reference letters and transcripts are not required. The material will be reviewed by the Graduate Nursing Admissions and Scholastic Standards Committee and the student may be re-admitted into the College of Nursing Graduate Program on a space available basis. Once admitted, students have six years in which to complete the program before course work begins to become outdated. Readmitted students have six years to complete their degree, calculated from the semester of their original admission. If the student does not meet certain admission criteria, she or he may be admitted on conditional status. Conditional admission indicates that the student does not meet one or more specific admission requirements of the College of Nursing graduate program, but it is expected that the student can meet the requirements by removing certain deficits in a time period specified by the Graduate Nursing Admission & Scholastic Standards Committee. Depending on the conditional status, students may not be allowed to register for certain courses or proceed in the program until the deficiencies are removed. The student will be informed of the admission status in the admission letter. See the University Graduate Bulletin for information - Admission Status - Special Student. Students who are not admitted to the Graduate Nursing Program are allowed to take up to six credits of nursing classes with prior approval. Graduate Student Health Requirements Students are not required to be immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine. However, if an institution where clinical experience is scheduled requires the Hepatitis B immunization, the student must provide proof of immunization. Changes in Licensure or Insurance Status It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Department of Graduate Nursing of any changes in the status of the RN License or the Professional Liability Insurance as soon as possible.
Students in the Master of Science program with a major in Nursing are required to complete between 36 and 53 semester hours of credit depending on the chosen specialization and the coursework, project or thesis option. Plans of Study vary for these alternatives. Departmental Comprehensive Written Examinations and a Graduate School final oral examination are required of all SDSU graduate students. All students select a specialization of Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, or Clinical Nurse Leader. Nurse Educator (ED) Nurse Administrator (AD) Family Nurse Practitioner
(FNP)
Psychiatric Nurse
Practitioner (PNP)
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
(NNP)
Clinical Nurse Leader
(CNL)
Post-Master's Certificates
RN to MS Program
Students may select either full-time or part-time study at the Brookings campus. The length of the program for full-time students is five semesters for the FNP specialization and four semesters for the other specializations. Students may choose to take the program over three years at two courses per semester or over four years at one course per semester at the other sites. The Internet program, the Rapid City program and the Sioux Falls program are all four year programs. Students who wish to change from full time to part time or from part time to full time must request the change in writing to the department head.
See the SDSU Graduate School Bulletin for current course descriptions.
At the time of admission, the nursing graduate student is assigned an academic advisor. The student should make an appointment to meet the academic advisor in order to become acquainted and to discuss the student’s plan of study. The Plan of Study Form must be submitted to the Graduate Nursing Admissions and Scholastic Standards Committee during the second semester of study. After approval by the Graduate Nursing Admissions & Scholastic Standards Committee, the Plan of Study is sent to the Graduate Dean for approval. Students who have filed an official Plan of Study with the SDSU Graduate School are bound by the approved plan. If a student has not filed a Plan of Study and the Nursing Graduate Faculty approve changes to the specialization, the student must file a Plan of Study that adheres to the new requirements. Students who have already filed a Plan of Study may choose to adhere to the previously approved Plan of Study or may choose to file a Change of Plan of Study in order to take advantage of the new requirements. The SDSU Graduate School policy on transfer credits applies to graduate nursing students. This policy allows 40% of the program credits (500 level or above, grade of "A" or "B") to be transferred from accredited institutions of higher education, unless there is a formal agreement with another university in which the transfer credits exceed 40%. The student initiates the transfer process with her or his advisor and is responsible for providing the Graduate School and the College of Nursing with course descriptions. Transfer credits must be approved by the Department Head for Graduate Nursing for inclusion in the Plan of Study. The College of Nursing does not offer challenge exams for graduate nursing courses. Credit Restrictions for Special Problems and Special Topics Courses Special Problems (N691) courses are for individual independent research or scholarly work on a topic agreed to by the student and instructor. These courses may include lab or clinical hours. No more than 4 credit hours of Special Problems courses (N691) are permitted on a Master's Plan of Study with certain exceptions. Special Topics (N692) courses follow the format of regularly scheduled formal courses but may cover specialized topics which do not justify a regular course or may precede development of a curricular request for a regular course. Special Topics classes do not include lab or clinical hours. No more than 3 credit hours of Special Topics courses may appear on a Master’s Plan of Study with certain exceptions. All special problems and special topics courses must first be approved by the Graduate Nursing Department Head. A written syllabus is agreed upon by the student and the faculty supervising these courses and a copy of the syllabus must be filed in the departmental office. Correspondence or television course are not permitted on SDSU Master’s Degree Plans of Study, except for those interactive television course offered by SDSU. Internet courses will be considered as applicable to the Master’s Plan of Study only if the class originates from an accredited institution and from an accredited program of higher education according to the Board of Regents’ policy. Any change in a submitted Plan of Study is to be initiated in consultation with the academic advisor. The student and the academic advisor will fill out the Change of Plan of Study Form and submit the form to the Graduate Nursing Admissions and Scholastic Standards Committee. The Committee will review the form prior to forwarding it to the Graduate School Office. Changes in the plan of study must be filed when the student and the advisor make any changes whatsoever to the Plan as it was originally filed. This includes substitution of courses due to low enrollment when the number of the course has changed. Updating Outdated Courses on Plan of Study Courses on the Plan of Study taken more than six years prior to the completion of the master's degree are considered outdated unless they have been used for another degree. Students may petition to update courses taken at SDSU, but may only update 50% of the total coursework. Such petitions begin with the department in which the course is now being offered. The student must obtain documentation from that department verifying that her or his knowledge is current. If the course is to appear on the Plan of Study for the master's degree, approval from the College of Nursing and the SDSU Graduate School is necessary. Forms for updating courses are available from the department secretary. Procedure for Updating Outdated Course Work The following guidelines are designed to assist the student, advisor, and instructor in completing the update process: 1. During the semester preceding the semester of the update, the student initiates the process with her or his academic advisor. The advisor will notify the current instructor of the course needing updating of the student's request. 2. The advisor will notify the student of the name of the instructor who has agreed to complete the update. It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor. The student must complete arrangements the semester preceding the update. Delay in arrangements may result in delaying the updating process, as the agreement is based on time and faculty assignment in that particular semester. It is the responsibility of the instructor to determine the requirements for a successful update, based on the current course requirements. Copies of update exams are filed with the Graduate School. Students may request a change of academic advisor by writing to the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Admissions and Scholastic Standards Committee. The thesis or project advisor is selected by the student in consultation with faculty. The selection is made on the basis of expertise in the area of study for the thesis or research project. The academic advisor and thesis or project advisor may or may not be the same person. Students may change their academic, thesis or project advisor by writing to the Admissions and Scholastics Standards Committee. Degree and Progression Requirements It is the intent of the College of Nursing to offer program courses as adequate enrollment, faculty, and available resources permit. Classes with enrollments below seven (7) are subject to cancellation by the University. Due to conditions beyond the control of South Dakota State University, the College of Nursing reserves the right to modify, consolidate, or cancel courses. Graduate study may include required activities on campus in Brookings, or in off campus locations for degree completion. Students must earn a B or higher to complete the required and support courses successfully. Students may earn a “C” in an elective course, but must maintain an overall “B” average. To pass a clinical course, a student must earn a grade of B or higher in both the didactic and the clinical portion. If a C is earned in a required course, the course must be repeated. A student may not repeat a course more than once. If a student receives less than a "B" in the second attempt, that student is subject to dismissal from the program. Students must meet SDSU Graduate School Admissions, Progression and Graduate Standards and are responsible for meeting admission criteria and prerequisite courses required for progression in the program. N615: Advanced Practice Nursing: Introduction to Roles and Issues is prerequisite or concurrent to all other nursing courses. N631: Advanced Assessment Across the Lifespan if required in the chosen specialization, must be completed prior to any clinical course. All core courses must be completed prior to the practicum courses. For FNP students, the required support course in pharmacotherapeutics must be completed with a grade of B or higher prior to or concurrent with N765. FNP students must be ACLS-certified prior to the beginning of N765. Full time graduate nursing students have priority in placement in nursing classes that have limited enrollment. The minimum residence requirement for this degree is 22 graduate credits. Residence credit is given only for graduate credit earned in courses offered by SDSU. Graduate nursing courses offered in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and by Internet are approved as residence credits. The candidate for the Master of Science degree with a major in nursing must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 in all classes on the Plan of Study, including electives. A petition is a written request for an exception to any university or graduate program regulation, policy, or requirement. See the Graduate School Appeals Form for more information. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the petition or appeal. Forms are available from the department secretary. When students are admitted to the graduate program, they are admitted to one specialization. Students wishing to change specialization must submit a written request to the Graduate Nursing Admissions and Scholastic Standards Committee. N626: Research Methods for the Advanced Practice Nurse, a required course for all nursing graduate students, must be completed at a B level prior to enrolling in thesis or project credits. The thesis option includes at least five credits of N798: Thesis and the project includes at least two credits of N788: Project. When students have completed all of their thesis or project credits they must continue to register for one or more thesis or project credits every semester thereafter (including summer) until they pass their final oral defense, whether or not they take other classes. Nurse Practitioner specializations have a coursework-only option. Other specializations require a thesis or a project. All students take the departmental written exams and all students are required to complete the final oral defense. The thesis is a publishable nursing research study performed under the direction of a graduate faculty member. The project, a two-credit scholarly endeavor, is an alternative option for meeting the research requirements for the Master of Science degree with a major in nursing. The College of Nursing accepts theses and projects only in APA format. Students should refer to the newest edition of the “Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association”. Doctoral programs will vary individually regarding the acceptability of a project option. The student should discuss this issue with their academic advisor in relation to future plans. A project, as opposed to a thesis, is a scholarly work that produces a product that is not a publishable research study. A project may be a web-based product, a research paper, or a proposal. For more information regarding the choice between a thesis and a project, the student should consult their academic advisor or the department head. Students are required to defend the proposed thesis or the project in front of the academic committee consisting of four members of the SDSU Graduate Faculty, including the thesis or project advisor, the academic advisor, the departmental representative and the graduate faculty representative. Students must defend the proposal the semester before the graduation semester. It is not possible to defend the proposal and graduate in the same semester. Students will then defend the finished thesis or project in front of the same committee during the final oral defense. Students cannot proceed to the final oral defense without having taken the departmental written examinations and performed in a satisfactory manner. It is the student's responsibility to contact the members of the committee and find a time that is available for all committee members. It is the responsibility of the academic advisor to request the assignment of a Graduate Faculty Representative for the student's committee by sending an email to the Dean of the Graduate School listing the names of the committee members. The Graduate School will choose a Graduate Faculty Representative. Students must work very closely with the academic and thesis advisors in order to meet all of the requirements for graduation. Students with further questions regarding graduation requirements should contact the Graduate Nursing Department Head. The student is required to send hard copies of the thesis, the project, or written exam answers to the committee members at least 10 working days before the defense of the proposal or the final oral defense. The project or thesis advisor will determine with the student whether the student’s research does or does not involve human subjects. A download copy of the form for approval from the SDSU Human Subjects Committee can be found on the SDSU Graduate School web page in .pdf format. The thesis or project advisor will also help the student determine whether or not other approvals are necessary before data collection begins. If human subjects are involved in the thesis or project, the form must be sent to the SDSU Human Subjects Committee for approval. Data collection using human subjects cannot be initiated until approval from the committee has been received in writing. In Progress Grades for Thesis and Project Credits Graduate students usually register for thesis or project credits during several semesters. An “in progress” (IP) is given until satisfactory completion of the thesis or project and final oral examination. The advisor, upon satisfactory completion of the thesis or project and the final oral examination, will then assign a satisfactory grade (P) for all thesis and project credits by completing the “Change of Grade” form. If not satisfactory, a grade of unsatisfactory (F) is given. The College of Nursing complies with the policies of the Graduate School with regard to Incomplete Grades. See the Graduate School Bulletin for more information. Grade Appeals and Grievance Policies SDSU policies and procedures related to grievances can be found by clicking here, then scroll down and find the "GradAcadAppeals.pdf" link and click on it. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to see this file. It's free and you can go here to get it: Attendance at all classes is a university expectation. All students
are held accountable for attaining the course outcome criteria despite
absences. Students are required to notify the course faculty member of
all absences prior to the absence or immediately thereafter in the case
of an emergency. Students hold the responsibility for making up missed
content and are required to submit proposed plans to make up the missed
class activities no later than the next class period unless granted special
permission in writing from the faculty member of record. After review of
the plan, the faculty member has one week to take one or more of the following
actions:
There are activities that are regarded as College of Nursing approved events for excused absences from nursing classes, labs or practica. In order to be an excused absence, students must be attending these events either in conjunction with their participation in the organization, as a class assignment, or as a professional board or committee member. Students must arrange in advance with the course faculty member to request an excused absence from class and/or lab or practicum experience to attend approved events. The student is responsible for any missed course content. Such events include but are not limited to the following: the South Dakota Nurses' Association Convention or board meetings; Nurses' Day at the Legislature; Sigma Theta Tau Research Day or regional and national research meetings; wellness or health events on campus which are sponsored as University events; the Ethel Austin Martin Nutrition Forum; South Dakota Rural Health Conference; South Dakota Environmental Health Association, South Dakota Public Health Association. Events not included in this list will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Graduate Nursing Department Head in the context of this policy. Absence from non-nursing courses are regulated by the department in which the course is offered. University policies pertaining to absences, trip permits, and travel must be followed. South Dakota State University has taken a strong and clear stand regarding academic dishonesty and plagiarism. The consequences of academic dishonesty range from disciplinary probation to expulsion of the student. The full policies are found in Chapter One of the SDSU Student Code (01:10:23:01 - 01:10:23:04) in the SDSU Student Policy Manual. Any student charged with academic dishonesty or plagiarism may appeal the ruling of the faculty by following the appeal procedure described in Chapter Two of the Student Policy Manual (Academic Appeals and Classroom Standards). For further information contact the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Administration Building 230, (605) 688-4173. Graduate Student Participation in Faculty Research Faculty members are encouraged to make learning opportunities in research or service available to graduate students outside of class. Graduate students may work with faculty members conducting research as paid research assistants on a grant, for special topics or independent study credits, as volunteers, or as part of a larger faculty research project in order to conduct part of the study as their thesis research. In order for students to be involved in faculty research, the following must be observed: 1. Faculty members may not award course credit or waive any course assignments in exchange for students serving to advance any part of the faculty member’s research which is unrelated to the course objectives. 2. When graduate students are involved in research, a contract between student(s) and faculty must be negotiated. A copy of the contract must be forwarded to the Graduate Nursing Department Head. Note: These guidelines do not address use of students as research subjects. Research involving nursing students as subjects requires the approval of the College of Nursing Research Committee and the University Human Subjects Committee. According to University policy, the decision to drop a course is made by the student. Faculty members may not drop a student from a class for any reason. It is the responsibility of the faculty member of record to advise a student if poor progression is demonstrated at any time during the semester based on criteria that are clearly stated in the course syllabus. The faculty member may recommend that the student drop the course, and should make such a recommendation before the official drop and add date, if possible. Faculty members will inform students of poor progress and present the student with a learning contract which will detail exactly what the student must achieve in order to receive a "B" in the course. Student Behavior During a Course If a student’s behavior in a course is considered to be unsafe or disruptive by the faculty member, it is the responsibility of the faculty member to inform the student of the unsafe or disruptive behavior as soon as possible and provide guidance and direction for improvement. Should a student’s behavior continue to be unsafe or disruptive, the faculty member has the right to remove the student from the course. The student must be informed of why she or he is being removed, and must be presented with a written learning contract within two working days. The written learning contract must include: 1) a description of the unsafe behavior;
The written learning contract is signed by the faculty member and the student and a copy is forwarded to the Graduate Nursing Department Head. The student is accountable for the terms of the contract. Visitors and Auditors in Class It is a violation of state and university policy for anyone, including children and infants, to attend courses without being registered for credit, audit, or as visitors. There may be legal liabilities associated with having unauthorized individuals attend class. Faculty members may grant special permission in certain limited circumstances which have been negotiated in advance of the class. Students from on and off campus may register as auditors. They must apply for admission, register, and pay the regular tuition and fees. A transcript will be generated showing that they have audited the course (graded AUP or AUF). Audit Definition: (Reference: Memo to all faculty from Vice President Carol J. Peterson, dated 7/8/97) "The Board of Regents, at their June 24-25, 1997 meeting, approved the following definition for audit, which will be consistent for all campuses: Registration as an auditor is enrollment for informational instruction only. Regular attendance at class or classes is customary without other participation and without credit. The cost to audit a course is the established BOR approved tuition and fee rate. Registration for audit may be limited by space or permission of the instructor. Courses audited by graduate or undergraduate students will be recorded on the academic transcript. A transcript notation of AU will be given in each course audited. Audited courses are counted in the calculation of overloads. Audit courses are not counted in calculating undergraduate or graduate full-time student status or for the purposes of financial aid. Audit courses cannot be used as a basis for testing out of a course for a letter grade or as prerequisites." Students are responsible for their own transportation to class, labs and practicum placemens. Unique assignments that involve group arrangements and motor pool vehicles may be negotiated with the faculty member of record. Travel time does not count as clinical time. Use of Equipment by Graduate Students Some of the equipment in the College of Nursing is available for check out by graduate nursing students. It is the student’s responsibility to check out the equipment properly, take reasonable care of it, and return the equipment in the allotted time. The student is responsible for the condition of the equipment while the equipment is checked out in their name. 1. Faculty members select practicum sites and preceptors based on feasibility of achieving specified learning outcomes. 2. Student input into selection of a clinical area or facility may be solicited for some courses. 3. In order to obtain specific clinical experiences to meet course objectives, students may be required to travel to clinical settings in a variety of geographic settings. Students should be aware of the possibility of direct and the indirect expenses associated with travel. 4. In order to maximize learning outcomes, students may be required to travel to clinical sites the evening prior to clinical to assess patients, review medical records, or use the medical library facilities connected with the clinical agency. Specific Policies for a Students in Clinical Facilities 1. Professional apparel that meets agency guidelines is expected. Conservative and professional dress clothing and a lab coat are the norm. No jeans or shorts or running shoes or bare midriff or low cut clothing are allowed in an agency or agency library. 2. The student will work within the policies of the agency and maintain a constructive relationship with the agency. 3. The student is required to supply health information to facilities as requested, such as those required by Veteran's Administration Hospitals or Indian Health Service Hospitals. 4. The student must wear a name pin which identifies her or his status as a South Dakota State University graduate nursing student. Pin size is an individual choice; however, pins should be ordered with white letters on a blue background with the following designation:
Full name, RN
The graduate student name pin is worn only when the student is participating in or involved in experiences related to the graduate student role. The pin is ordered through the Departmental Secretary in Graduate Nursing. The first pin is free. Second or lost pins are paid for by the student. 5 .The student is responsible for her or his individual costs related to clinical experiences. This includes transportation and may also include overnight hotel and meal costs. While enrolled in graduate study within the College of Nursing, the student is required to pay a special Board of Regents approved graduate nursing major fee if the student is registered for two or more graduate credits in the College of Nursing. The fee is used for a variety of expenses in delivering the graduate courses, e.g., faculty travel to clinical sites within 75 miles of campus, faculty travel to classes in Sioux Falls, special supplies, independent study materials, and special lab equipment. The fee is evaluated annually and will change depending upon the costs of the program. This fee is paid in addition to other regular University fees. FNP Practicum Fee In practicum semesters, FNP students are required to pay a practicum fee when they enroll in the following courses: N765, N771, N777. This fee is used to help defray the cost of hiring practicing specialists to lecture and supervise student experiences. The fee is charged one time per semester when the student enrolls in these courses and replaces the nursing major fee. Additional Student Fees for Faculty Site Visits
Departmental Written Comprehensive Examinations Departmental Written Examinations are taken by all graduate nursing students during the last semester of capstone courses. The student's committee, chaired by the academic advisor, is responsible for administering the examination and advising the student regarding preparation for the final oral examination. Candidates for the Master of Science degree with a major in nursing are also required to pass the Graduate School Oral examination covering the departmental written examination or the thesis or the project and the courses included in the graduate program. Preparing for Departmental Comprehensive Written Examinations Students should be prepared to respond to a broad range of questions. The general criteria upon which the evaluation of the questions is based is the student’s demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize responses and cite appropriate authorities in an organized and succinct, but complete manner. Review questions will be emailed to eligible students prior to the exam. The Graduate School Bulletin for each academic year contains the deadlines which must be met to insure graduation in the Fall, Spring, or Summer session. The student must check with the Graduate School early in the semester as dates listed may be subject to change. If a student has completed all classes and has successfully defended the thesis or project but missed the deadline to graduate in one semester, then that student must apply for graduation in the following semester. Students who successfully complete requirements for the Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Administrator, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specializations are eligible to sit for certification examination. Photocopying ServicesChapter Seven: Student Information Students are responsible for expenses of photocopying related to class presentations and other course assignments. Forms
Used by Graduate Students
The H.M. Briggs Library on campus is available for on campus students and by the world wide web for off campus students. Students may also use the Wegner Health Science Information Center in Sioux Falls at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine on the Sioux Valley Hospital Campus. Students are eligible for a temporary card which can be used to swipe into the Center using the small computer lab door. The card will be issued for one night or one weekend at a time and must be dropped into the book drop upon leaving. For more information, students may contact the Director of the Wegner Information Center. All on campus students pay a required University Activity Fee each semester. Payment of this fee enables students to receive health care at the Student Health Clinic. The required University Fee provides certain health care services including: unlimited out patient visits with professional health care providers, human sexuality services, contraceptive consultation, health education programs and other services at a reduced cost. Off campus students do not pay the University Activity Fee and are not eligible to receive medical care at the Student Health and Counseling Service. The Student Health and Counseling Service is located on the second floor of West Hall (across from Scobey Hall). Appointments can be scheduled by phoning 688-4157. During the regular academic school year, the clinic is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Summer school hours may vary. During those times when the Student Health and Counseling Service is closed (including weekends and holidays), students needing health care may use the Health Information Line, 688-4157 (free service) or be seen at the Brookings Hospital Emergency room, 696-9000 (any expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the student). A Board of Regents-approved hospitalization and accident insurance plan is available for SDSU students. Inquire at Student Health for details and cost information. For more details on the Student Health and Counseling Service, the on campus student is encouraged to obtain a copy of the brochure titled "Student Health Service Benefits and the Supplemental Health Insurance Program" from the Student Health and Counseling Service in West Hall. Although the University provides limited residence hall accommodations for single graduate students and family housing for married students, most graduate students live off campus. Prospective students should inquire about housing from the Director of Student Housing. Students with educational, vocational or personal difficulties can receive special assistance through the Counseling Center in West Hall. Telephone: (605) 688-6146. Sigma Theta Tau (National Honor Society of Nursing) Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Inc., International Honor Society of Nursing, was established at SDSU in 1962. Membership is by invitation and is conferred upon students who have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement, shown evidence of professional leadership potential, and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing. The purposes of Sigma Theta Tau are to: 1. Recognize superior achievement.
SDSU graduate students in nursing are eligible for membership if they have demonstrated scholastic achievement (GPA of 3.5 on 4.0 scale), academic integrity, professional leadership potential and/or marked achievement in the field of nursing. Both full-time and part-time graduate students are eligible upon the completion of one-fourth of the credits in the graduate curriculum for the student's selected functional role option. The South Dakota State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, a national honor society, was established in 1949. Phi Kappa Phi's primary objectives are the recognition and encouragement of superior scholarship in all academic disciplines. Membership is by invitation only with the number of graduate students elected limited to 10 percent of those qualifying for degrees. Because of the high standards of scholarship and character required for membership, election to Phi Kappa Phi is one of the highest honors a student can receive at South Dakota State University or any other university. Initiation occurs twice a year with the Spring ceremony preceding the annual Phi Kappa Phi banquet. After graduation, members may maintain active membership by paying dues and maintaining an association with the Society, or they may become inactive members. Opportunities for Student Participation in Decision Making There are a number of ways the graduate student in nursing can participate in the decision-making related to the University and the master's program in nursing. For example, graduate nursing students serve on the Graduate Curriculum Committee. Students are asked to take an active role in the evaluation of the Graduate Nursing Program. Student input is vital to the maintenance of a quality program. Students will be asked to evaluate courses and instructors each semester during the program. Each graduating student is invited to participate in an exit interview with the Graduate Nursing Department Head. Following graduation, graduates are asked periodically to evaluate the program and their preparation for graduate nursing practice. This feedback is utilized by faculty in ongoing curriculum development and revision. The SDSU Financial Aid Office address is Administration 106, Brookings, SD 57007-2201. The phone number is 605-688-4695. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except the office is closed on scheduled holidays. Federal Student Aid Programs. Eligible students must be degree-seeking students enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the SDSU as 5 credits per semester) and must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. More information is available at: http://www.studentaid.ed.gov The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and processed before federal financial aid eligibility can be determined. The SDSU school code is 003471. The federal processing time is approximately one month. The FAFSA information is sent electronically to the school. If corrections are needed or there have been changes for the worse in the student’s financial status, please contact the SDSU Financial Aid Office to process additional information or changes. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for federal financial aid grants. The Federal Stafford Loan is the primary source of financial assistance for graduate students. Eligibility for the Federal Stafford Loan is determined by the FAFSA information and SDSU will send information to the student regarding application processing. The maximum annual loan is $8,500 per year or financial need, whichever is less. The Federal Government pays the interest while in school and for the six-month grace period after the student is no longer enrolled half-time. Please read the Federal Stafford Loan application for detailed information. The interest rate is a variable rate, not to exceed 8.25%. The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is available for students who are not eligible for the full $8,500 Federal Stafford Loan. The student is responsible to pay all interest expenses on the unsubsidized loan. An additional Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is available for students if they need more than the $8,500 annual loan limit. The Financial Aid Office coordinates other financial aid programs including Federal Work Study and Federal Perkins Loans. Eligible students are considered for the programs, but few graduate students receive the awards due to very limited funds. Please contact the SDSU Financial Aid Office if you need applications or if you have any financial aid questions. Graduate students in nursing may investigate the following opportunities for financial assistance: Professional Nurse Traineeships Limited Traineeships providing tuition and/or stipend allowance may be available at SDSU for full-time graduate nursing students in specific specializations. The number and amount of the awards is contingent upon funding by the Division of Nursing, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The SDSU College of Nursing may establish guidelines in addition to those outlined by the Federal Government for distributing Traineeship funds if the demand exceeds funds available to SDSU. The grantee institution is responsible for the selection and appointment of trainees. No trainees may be appointed until the Notice of Grant Award has been received from the Division of Nursing. In addition to meeting the grantee institution's requirements, a trainee must: 1. be a United States citizen, non-citizen national, or foreign national
who possesses a visa permitting permanent residence in the United States;
Support to an individual is limited to a maximum period of 36 months. Traineeship support may not be transferred from the institution which granted the award; however, an eligible student who has had a Traineeship at one institution subsequently may be appointed at another institution and receive Traineeship support if the cumulative total of Traineeship support received by that student has not exceeded 36 months. It is the student's responsibility to immediately notify the Department Head, Graduate Nursing and academic advisor if she/he drops a course or drops out of school and no longer meets the requirements for receiving Traineeship funds. Scholarships for Native American Students (Contact the Financial Aid Office): Helen Roberti Trust for Native American students. Provides funding for graduate students. Funding varies. Crazy Horse Memorial Scholarship. For any major. Preference for SD resident. $1500. Other financial assistance: Hattie M. Strong Foundation. Loans up to $2,500 for one year without interest or collateral, are available to students in their final year of study in a baccalaureate or graduate program. Arrangements, including repayment, are made directly with the individual student. Apply between January 1 and March 31. For details, write: Hattie M. Strong Foundation, 1615 Eye Street N.W., No. 409, Washington, D.D. 20006. Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) is a not-for-profit organization which seeks and distributes funds to baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who are in need of scholarship assistance for graduate study. Further information is available at www.n-e-f.org or by email at: bbnef@aol.com. Clairol Loving Care Scholarship Program. If you are a woman 30 or older pursuing a graduate or professional degree, you are eligible to receive up to $1,000 a year in this program. Almost 200 women a year receive the scholarships, which may be used for tuition, books, transportation, or child care. Awards are based on an applicant's need, academic record and potential for success in the business world. Winners are selected by the Business and Professional Women's Foundation. For further details on this program and other scholarship opportunities for women, write: BPW Foundation, 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036. Iowa Nurses Association. District 15, offers a $200 scholarship to either a senior nursing student in an R.N. program, or to someone studying for an advanced degree in nursing. In order to be eligible your home town must be within District 15, which includes the following counties: Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O'Brien, Clay, Cherokee and Buena Vista. For further information contact: Mrs. Jan Engeman, 712 - 2nd Avenue, Sibley, Iowa 51249. Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Nursing Scholarships Fund. Scholarship awards are made in the amounts of $1,500 each. These awards assist nurses to secure advanced preparation for positions in supervision, administration, or teaching. Students must have prospects of employment in specific positions with a full-time, direct relationship to lung and respiratory disease prevention and treatment in hospitals, clinics, or health departments upon completion of their study. Application deadline date on awards granted for a school year is May 1 of the calendar year in which the school year begins. Announcements of awards are made by July 1 of the same year. Application forms may be obtained from the American Legion, Education and Scholarship Program, Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206, ATTN: Eight and Forty Scholarships. South Dakota Board of Nursing Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program. Loan monies up to $1,000 are available for U.S. citizens who are S.D. residents (1 year) enrolled in S.D. education programs with demonstrated financial need. Applications are due June 1. Loan is for tuition, fees, books and supplies. Contact South Dakota Board of Nursing, 4300 S. Louise Ave., Suite C-1 Sioux Falls, SD 57106 PHONE: 605-362-2760. Nurses' Educational Funds. Scholarships and fellowships are available to registered nurses who seek further study in nursing. Men and women qualifying for these awards are expected to study in accredited nursing programs in colleges and universities of their choice. Awards may be made at the baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral level. The amount and number of awards are determined each year on the basis of availability of funds and qualifications of applicants. Applicants are required to be citizens of the United States or to have declared official intention of becoming citizens. In addition, they must be members of the American Nurses' Association. The deadline for completion of all applications is January 15 preceding the academic year for which the awards are made. For more information, write to Nurses' Educational Funds, 555 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019. Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, Higher Education Grant Program. Grants are available for baccalaureate and graduate study to applicants who are recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as members of an Indian tribe and who have at least one-fourth degree Indian blood. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program and have financial need. The amount of the award will be determined by a school's financial aid officer. Application forms are available by December or January for the following academic year. Graduate students are eligible for awards for three years or 36 months and may receive application forms and information by writing American Indian Scholarships, Inc., P.O. Box 1116, Taos, NM 87571. A number of states have financial aid programs for Indian students and students may learn about them by writing their state's education agency. Veterans Educational Assistance (Title 38, U.S. Code, Chapter 34). Depending on length of military service, an eligible veteran who served on active duty in the armed forces of the U.S. after January 31, 1955, but before January 1, 1977, may be entitled to education and training for up to a basic maximum of 45 months. Generally, benefits must be used within a 10-year period following the date of discharge, but not later than December 31, 1989. The full-time rate of allowance is $376 per month if the veteran has no dependents, $448 if he/she has one dependent, plus $32 per month for each dependent over two. Lesser rates are paid for part-time training. The allowance may be authorized for graduate or undergraduate education and for other courses approved for the training of veterans. Educational loans do not exceed $2,500 per regular academic year. Applications must be filed with the Veterans Administration. Further information may be obtained from the nearest Veterans Administration office. Veterans' Educational Assistance (Title 38, U.S. Code, Chapter 32). Veterans who enter military service on or after January 1, 1977, are entitled to participate in a program of educational assistance whereby a veteran contributes to a fund between $25 and $100 per month which is matched by the government on a 2-for-1 basis. Participants may make lump sum contributions. The Department of Defense may also provide matching funds, and in some cases may pay all or part of the participant's contribution. The veteran is entitled to receive 36 months of educational benefits in varying amounts depending on the value of his or her fund. The allowance may be authorized for graduate or undergraduate education and for courses approved for the training of veterans. Applications must be filed with the Veterans Administration Regional Office located in each state. The Veterans Administration Health Professional Scholarship Program for Master's Nursing Students. The purpose is to assist in providing an adequate supply of professional nurses for the Veterans Administration and the nation. Students eligible for scholarships are nursing students in master's degree programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled full-time in a program accredited by the National League for Nursing. Applicant may not be obligated for service under any other scholarship program. Selection factors are academic performance, career goals, recommendations, and work experience. The scholarship benefits are tuition/fees, reasonable educational expenses, and a monthly stipend, all of which are exempt from federal taxation. The scholarships are currently two years depending upon continued full-time enrollment and maintenance of academic standing. Scholarship Program participants are obligated for a period of service in the VA equal to the period of support, or two years, whichever is greater. The obligated service will be performed in an assignment in the VA as determined by the Administrator of Veterans Affairs. Participants will be asked to indicate their preferences. For further information write the Scholarship Program (14N) or call the toll-free number (800-368-5896) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, on weekdays. For local calls and calls from Alaska and Hawaii, the telephone number is 202-389-3588. Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Chapter (SDSU). Any student in the master's program in nursing at SDSU with an approved (by her/his research advisor) research proposal, may apply for money to support her/his research project. To apply, the student must submit to the first vice president of the Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, according to an announced schedule, a summary of the proposal, a plan for the use of the money, a statement from the research advisor that the proposal has been approved and for a non-member of Sigma Theta Tau, a statement reflecting the student's leadership and scholarship activities. Awarding of funds will be based upon the student's application materials, the research proposal's correlation to the ANA-identified research priorities and an interview for explanation of the research project. Students who receive research money from Phi Chapter are requested to present their completed research at the Annual Research Day or at a Phi Chapter meeting. Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
American Academy of Nursing
American Association of Critical Care Nurses
American Cancer Society
American Holistic Nurses’ Association
American Legion
American Nurses Association
American Nurses Association
Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program
Association of Operating Room Nurses Scholarship Program
Emergency Nurses Association
ENA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship
ENA Foundation Doctoral Scholarship
Epilepsy Foundation of America
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates and Practitioners
National Black Nurses Association
National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
National Society of the Colonial Dames of America
Nurses’ Educational Funds
Oncology Nursing Foundation/Oncology Nursing Society
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
U.S. Army Recruiting Command
U.S. Public Health Service, Health Resources and Services Administration,
Bureau of Health Professions
Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association
Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Scholarships
Hispanic Nurses Association, Houston Chapter
Marion D. and Eva S. Peeples Foundation
Mountain States Group/Idaho Rural Health Education Center
Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America Inc.
National Association of Hispanic Nurses
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